"Alright, the matter at Moon Ascension Temple is over now."
Mu Rong Liu Zun didn't want this to further disrupt their harmony and waved his hand magnanimously.
Mu Qingyao turned to look at him. To be honest, she was touched that the intelligent and wise Emperor could act this way, and she wasn't entirely unmoved herself.
However, she was unsure if she truly loved this man one hundred percent, enough to be willing to be confined in this deep palace for him.
"Actually, even if Su Zhan said nothing, we know the mastermind behind this must be the Prince of Bei Jin. In a few days, it will be the Prince of Bei Jin's wedding day. I believe he will make his move on that day. Is Your Majesty really going to preside over the wedding at the Prince of Bei Jin's mansion that day?"
Even with perfect strategies, it was hard to guarantee complete success. If the Emperor made a mistake, this String Moon kingdom would fall into chaos.
Therefore, Mu Qingyao did not approve of the Emperor presiding over the wedding. However, if the Emperor did not act, the Prince of Bei Jin might not act either. This stalemate was not good; it would only lead to increasing confusion.
Emperor Mu Rong Liu Zun, not unaware of these things, his eyes dark and fierce, spoke in a cold, hard voice.
"How can I be a coward? Since he desires my throne so much, what is wrong with me playing a game with him?" A domineering aura that scorned the world flashed across his handsome face, accompanied by a fleeting glint of sharpness.
"Your Majesty? Regarding the Right Prime Minister, the Chu family?"
Mu Qingyao wanted to ask him about the Right Prime Minister Chu family. Unexpectedly, as soon as she brought up the topic, the Emperor's face darkened, and he spoke grimly.
"It seems the Chu family is clearly intent on assisting the Prince of Bei Jin. These past few days, the Right Prime Minister has feigned illness and is not attending court, indicating his desire to delay matters and use his military power to aid the Prince of Bei Jin."
Mu Qingyao raised an eyebrow. She hadn't expected the Chu family to so openly declare their allegiance to the Prince of Bei Jin. They would have to be careful; every step needed to be meticulously planned.
Because apart from the Imperial Guards and the Prince of Nan An's soldiers, and the Emperor's secret guards, no one else could be trusted.
"What Your Majesty needs to do now is to summon General Ximen and the Prime Minister to the palace immediately to get a handle on the movements of the court's high officials. Also, that Ximen Zhenghao is a veteran general. Even if he doesn't have military power, he must have people in the capital. As long as he sincerely assists Your Majesty, he should be able to mobilize many. This matter must be handled as quickly as possible."
After Mu Qingyao finished speaking, Emperor Xian, who had been sitting on the soft couch, had a deep look in his eyes, and a faint smile curved his lips.
"It seems that you and I, Yao'er, truly share a telepathic connection; our thoughts align."
Just as the Emperor's gentle voice fell, A Jiu entered from outside the hall and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, General Ximen and Prime Minister have arrived and are waiting outside the study."
"Good," Mu Rong Liu Zun stood up abruptly, his imperial yellow robes making him stand tall and majestic in the hall like a mountain. However, his eyes were as gentle as water, and he looked at Mu Qingyao with affection. "Don't worry, Yao'er, I will handle these matters."
With that, he strode out, A Jiu quickly following behind him.
A faint darkness flickered in Mu Qingyao's gaze, carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible bitterness that only she knew.
If the Emperor were to utilize the Ximen family's influence, it was likely that Ximen Xinyue would have to enter the palace.
Originally, there was Chu Yuyan in the palace, and now Ximen Xinyue was coming. Perhaps, in the future, there would be other women.
Did she really have to stay here and share a husband with so many women? A cold sneer involuntarily formed on her lips. Now, she would just wait for all this to be over, and then she would leave.
However, she didn't blame him or get angry with him because the education he received since childhood was different from hers.
In front of the study, the Emperor's figure appeared. Ximen Zhenghao and Mu Hen respectfully stepped forward, "Your humble subjects greet Your Majesty."
"Rise, come in."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the two followed behind the Emperor into the study. Once the Emperor took his seat at the head, the two respectfully waited on the side, "May I ask what is the matter that Your Majesty summoned us to the palace for?"
"Regarding the recent case of rebels at Moon Ascension Temple, although Monk Liaokong is dead, the true mastermind has not yet been apprehended. Therefore, I have been restless day and night. Today, I have summoned General Ximen and the Prime Minister to discuss this matter. In your opinion, General Ximen and Prime Minister, who is the most likely mastermind?"
The Emperor's sharp eyes were fixed on the two ministers below, one military and one civil, both being meritorious officials who helped stabilize and govern String Moon.
Ximen Zhenghao, always forthright and direct, upon hearing the Emperor's question, cupped his fist and stated frankly, "If I were to express suspicion, this old minister has thought about this matter carefully. The most likely person is the Prince of Bei Jin."
Left Prime Minister Mu Hen, being much more reserved, remained silent after hearing Ximen Zhenghao's words.
The Emperor on his high throne twitched his brows, his gaze falling on him, "What does the Prime Minister think?"
"This subject agrees with General Ximen. Because Monk Liaokong was a former lover of the Empress Dowager, it is obvious to anyone who the person behind this is; it must be the Prince of Bei Jin."
"Very well. Since my esteemed ministers share this view, I must ask you both: if the Prince of Bei Jin is the mastermind, will he stop? If he does not stop, when will he make his move again?"
The Emperor's rapid-fire questions caused Ximen Zhenghao and Mu Hen to frown in thought. Silence fell upon the study. At this moment, A Jiu's voice came from outside the door, "Your Majesty, the Prince of Nan An has arrived?"
"Let him in."
The Emperor commanded coldly. A Jiu responded from outside, and the Prince of Nan An soon entered, his expression as impassive and his aura as indifferent as ever. Upon entering the study, he respectfully paid his respects to the Emperor, "Greetings to Your Majesty."
"Hmm, the three of you, please sit," the Emperor waved his hand, signaling for everyone to sit down and discuss the important matters together.
Ximen Zhenghao, as a veteran general, still commanded considerable prestige even without military power. He alone was equivalent to one-third of a military force.
This time, he was assigned to dispatch troops for the capital's defense forces and the Ministry of War.
Left Prime Minister Mu Hen, through secret investigations, identified officials implicated with the Chu family and presented the list to the Emperor.
The Prince of Nan An was responsible for deploying the Imperial Guards and the Prince of Nan An's forces.
In the study, the Emperor's every step was meticulously planned, earning the admiration of the ministers below, yet also instilling a sense of caution. The stakes were incredibly high; any misstep could plunge String Moon into chaos, making them all sinners for eternity.
"Your humble subjects take our leave."
"Yes, you may all go. Act swiftly, but maintain absolute secrecy. Do not let any word leak out," Emperor Xian commanded calmly. The three bowed in unison and departed.
In the study, Mu Rong Liu Zun's eyes were as dark as the ghostly underworld fires of hell, and a cold smile played on his lips.
"Imperial Brother, this time I shall see if you can still stir up trouble."